In Jacksonville, Florida, a simple battery is a misdemeanor charge. It is governed by Florida Statute Section 784.03. A “battery occurs when a person actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against the will of the other or intentionally causes bodily harm to another person.” If a criminal defendant has one prior conviction for battery commits any second or subsequent battery, this is a felony of the third degree. It is important to note that it does not matter if the Jacksonville battery defendant entered a plea of guilty no nolo contendere (no contest) to the initial battery charge. It makes no difference if adjudication of guilt was withheld or not. The prior battery charge may still be used to aggravate the Jacksonville battery charge and turn a misdemeanor into a felony.
If you have been arrested for a Jacksonville Battery Crime, contact a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer to discuss your case, determine possible defenses and justifications, and to make sure your rights are being protected.